The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) celebrated its 5th anniversary in a jam-packed Moose Lodge, and at the South Shore Theatre Experience, in Lindenhurst.
Hosts Gerry Ferretti and Katie Schrader led the way once again, joined by volunteers and judges Paul Laudicano and Donna Morales, as well as red-carpet interviewer Lilo Grunwald and photographer Ed Shin. The festival showed 91 films over four days and closed with the sold-out premiere of Episode Seven and season finale of Ferretti’s dramedy series, The Fontanas. NYLIFF, which debuted in 2019 as a two-day festival, has now doubled in size and plans to add a fifth day in 2024. Filmmakers and their families, friends, casts and crews traveled from all over New York, out of state, and as far as Italy, for NYLIFF ‘23!
Ferretti and Schrader continued their message of the importance of bringing people together, to help filmmakers further their careers through networking and collaboration with other like-minded people.
“In this ever-changing world, with festivals popping up everywhere, these gatherings are not really about the awards and the laurels. They are about elevating everyone’s game, pulling for each other, learning, growing and connecting.” said Ferretti. “Many films have been made over the last four years years through connections made here at NYLIFF. This is something we are most proud of.”
Once again, the vibe at NYLIFF was that of a family, with people returning year after year, with hugs, and pats on the back, excited to see each other’s new creations. Five-year NYLIFF alum, Writer-Director George Masimillo and his team — winners of Best Comedy Feature, Best Editing Feature, and two comedy performance awards for the feature film It’s Love Bro — filled the room on Saturday and are already at work on their next project. “NYLIFF will always be a part of us and we love the vibe here!” said Masimillo.
George Buzzeo, producer and winner of Best Documentary Feature for Kim Kahana: The Man Who Changed Hollywood was completely blown away. “I’ve been to many festivals, but the positive energy at NYLIFF is like no other,” he said. “What they are doing here needs to continue. This is one of the best festivals in New York!”
With support from the Village of Lindenhurst and all their sponsors, Gerry and his team have even bigger plans for 2024, including screenplay readings, filmmaker workshops, a NYLIFF podcast and a Sunday Awards Ceremony and Brunch. “We are here for you and we plan to be here for a long time, bringing people together and helping you along the road to tell your stories, meet your goals, and fulfill your dreams.” Ferretti told the crowd. “Hollywood is in a transition and getting into the Hollywood bubble is difficult at best.” he continued. “But what we are doing at festivals like this one, all over the country…we are creating a new bubble! The future of cinema is happening right here and now, and we are the future.”
Submissions for NYLIFF 2024 are open. To submit your film, screenplay, pilot, music video or trailer visit www.filmfreeway.com/nyliff or visit www.nyliff.com
